Intro
In this episode of “The History of Rome” podcast, titled “Home on the Range,” we delve into the story of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, a small town plagued by constant gunfire from an open-air gun range owned by the Cincinnati Police Department. We explore the town’s rich history, its struggles with poverty and racial inequality, and the ongoing battle to relocate the gun range.
Main Takeaways
Historical Background and Foundation of Lincoln Heights
- Lincoln Heights is the first black self-governed town north of the Mason-Dixon line, founded almost a century ago by black migrants from rural Georgia during the Great Migration.
- The founders aimed to create a self-sufficient community where they could control their own lives and destinies.
- Unable to settle in the city due to expensive property and racist real estate practices, they bought cheap land north of Cincinnati.
- The residents drew ambitious boundaries around nearly 10 square miles in Hamilton County to create Lincoln Heights, an all-black self-governed town with an industrial and economic base to support the community.
Struggles and Challenges Faced by Lincoln Heights
- Hamilton County officials deliberately slow-walked the Lincoln Heights Plan for seven years, while whites waged a relentless campaign designed to keep blacks from acquiring industrial lands.
- Jobs started disappearing in the 1970s, and the crack epidemic, crime, and gun violence took over in the 80s and 90s.
- Home values in Lincoln Heights decreased, and the town was ranked last in Cincinnati magazine’s feature called the best places to live in 2000.
- The population of Lincoln Heights is now less than half the size it was in 1960, and the town has a lot of abandoned lots and buildings.
The Impact of the Gun Range on Lincoln Heights
- The gun range owned by the Cincinnati Police Department is the size of about 22 football fields, and officers train there about 300 days out of the year.
- The gun range creates structural noise pollution, devaluing the space and making it difficult for the town to attract developers.
- The Mariana Terrace public housing complex is located near the gun range and gets the worst of the gunfire noise, causing chronic stress, hypertension, and hearing loss for residents.
- Residents struggle to work from home, get rest, and have visitors due to the constant noise.
- The gun range has made residents feel powerless and traumatized, and concerns about lead in soil and water from bullets in the ground add to their worries.
The Battle to Relocate the Gun Range
- Residents of Lincoln Heights have been trying to move the gun range for 80 years, but their efforts have been met with resistance.
- After years of speaking out against police terrorizing their town through the shooting range, residents finally caught the attention of Cincinnati Council members and US Senator Sherrod Brown.
- Audiology expert Brian Earl measured sound levels near the range and experienced discomfort, while children in the area didn’t react to the noise, highlighting the long-term impact on residents’ well-being.
- Following a hearing, Cincinnati police agreed to relocate the range to a less densely populated township, with funding from the state, federal government, and county.
- The closure of the gun range marks the end of a struggle that has been passed down through Lincoln Heights families for generations, but some residents remain cautious and want to see more action taken.
Summary
Lincoln Heights: A Town with a Rich History and Ongoing Struggles
Lincoln Heights, Ohio, is a small residential town with a rich history as the first black self-governed town north of the Mason-Dixon line. Founded almost a century ago by black migrants from rural Georgia, the town aimed to create a self-sufficient community where residents could control their own lives. However, the town faced numerous challenges, including deliberate opposition from Hamilton County officials and the decline of jobs and living conditions. The presence of an open-air gun range owned by the Cincinnati Police Department further exacerbated the town’s struggles, causing structural noise pollution, health issues, and a sense of powerlessness among residents.
The Battle to Relocate the Gun Range and the Road Ahead
For decades, the residents of Lincoln Heights have been fighting to move the gun range that has plagued their town. Through their persistence and the support of Cincinnati Council members and US Senator Sherrod Brown, they finally achieved a breakthrough. After a hearing and the involvement of an audiology expert, Cincinnati police agreed to relocate the range to a less densely populated township. The move, expected to cost $31.5 million, will be funded by the state, federal government, and county. While the closure of the gun range marks a significant victory for the residents, some remain cautious and believe that more action is needed to address the town’s ongoing challenges.
Conclusion
The story of Lincoln Heights and its battle against the gun range owned by the Cincinnati Police Department is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents. Despite facing numerous obstacles, they have fought for their rights and the well-being of their community. The closure of the gun range represents a significant milestone, but the town’s journey towards economic development and social progress continues. By sharing their stories and advocating for change, the residents of Lincoln Heights have sparked a conversation about the impact of structural noise pollution and the importance of community empowerment.
